by brady | Nov 18, 2011 | About Mormons
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths as the “Mormon Church”) are most importantly, devoted followers of Jesus Christ. As a people we believe in “in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men” (Articles of Faith 1:13). We believe in following the Savior Jesus Christ’s example in word and in deed.
Mormon beliefs include a belief in continuing modern revelation through living prophets and apostles of God just as there was in Biblical days. Living prophets and apostles speak the Lord’s will and His gospel to us. The Church of Jesus Christ, as it was when Christ was on the earth, has been restored to the earth through a living prophet, Joseph Smith, whom God called by revelation. By the power of God, Joseph Smith brought forth an ancient record of scripture titled, The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, that gives an account of God’s dealings with people who lived in the America’s anciently.
In this talk given by a prophet of God, who has since passed away, President Gordon B. Hinckley addresses some of the questions that many people have about Mormon beliefs. He gives clarifications, explanations, and helps clear up misperconceptions about the Church. (more…)
by brady | Nov 14, 2011 | About Mormons, Mormon Reflections
Tiffany Sowby is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (“Mormon” woman) mother of five. She tries to find humor, joy and contentment in the little things life has to offer.
From as young as I can remember, I wanted nothing more than to grow up and become a mother. I was the youngest child until I was eight years old and finally after years of 
‘playing house’ with baby dolls I was able to put them down and play with a real baby, a baby brother. A couple of years later another baby brother was added. I loved ‘playing house’ with real, live babies! It made my dream of becoming a mother even more real and more personal. I couldn’t wait to one day have a sick child want only me to hold them, or to be cooking in the kitchen and have a baby or toddler cry at my legs to be held, like my brothers did to my mother.
Now five children and thirty or so years later, I have had my fair share of sick children wanting to be held by only me. And I have certainly had more than my fair share of crying toddlers and children crying underfoot while I have attempted to fix a meal. These experiences are far from the dreamy way I envisioned them as a young girl. I can admit I have days I wonder why exactly I chose this path for my life. I can’t help but wonder sometimes how much easier a different career-choice may have been. (more…)
by | Nov 4, 2011 | About Mormons
THANKSGIVING: Mormons Celebrate Thanksgiving
Yes, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (nicknamed “Mormons”) do celebrate Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is an opportunity for families to gather and acknowledge the blessings God has given us, particularly in providing religious freedom to America and an abundance of His daily grace. Of course, as we recognize His hand in our lives, we become thankful every day for the blessings provided, in addition, Thanksgiving is a day set aside a day specifically for that purpose.
The Book of Psalms, in The Holy Bible tells us to “give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever (Psalms 118:1).” The Book of Mormon, a volume of scripture which complements the Bible, teaches us to “live in thanksgiving daily (Alma 34:38).” Thanksgiving gives us an opportunity to do just that. (more…)
by Gale | Oct 19, 2011 | About Mormons
It’s the end of 2011, leading up to a U.S. presidential election, and everywhere you turn, Mormons and Mormonism are in the news. First came the accusation that “Mormons” (actually members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) do not believe in biblical Christianity, because they don’t believe that faith alone is enough to get a person to heaven. They say that as soon as you introduce the necessity for works, then you’re not a biblical Christian — at least that is the stance of Pastor Jeffress, who created the stir. In his view, Catholics are not historical, biblical Christians, either. A little clarification of Latter-day Saint beliefs would help, and we can begin by saying that Latter-day Saints believe that all followers of Jesus Christ, all who call Him Creator and Savior, are Christians.
Latter-day Saints do believe that works are important, that “faith without works is dead” (James 2: 15, 18, 26). Matthew 19:17 says, “…but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.”
Mormons define “works” as repentance, making and keeping covenants, keeping the commandments of Christ, loving God with all our heart, and being charitable. (more…)
by Terrie Lynn Bittner | Sep 30, 2011 | About Mormons
Mormons (a nickname for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) use a few more books of scripture than most other Christians. Their set of “standard works” (books of scripture) are the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.
The Bible
Mormons use the King James translation of the Bible in English-speaking congregations and other translations for other languages. They use both the Old and New Testaments and in a four-year rotation of scripture study in formal classes, the Bible receives two of these years. Adults study the Bible for two years in Sunday School. Teens also study it for two years in Sunday School, but in addition, they study the Bible for two years in a class called Seminary. This is an academic and spiritual class taught five days a week during the school year and is an in-depth study. College students and some adults have a similar college-level study in a program called Institute of Religion. Older children ages eight and up study the Bible for two years and younger children study it every other year. Of course, families and individuals also conduct personal and family study of the Bible.
Mormons believe the Bible to be the word of God as it was first written by the original authors. However, the translators were not necessarily always perfect and we know portions of the Bible are missing, since some writings are mentioned that we do not have. For this reason, they add a caveat that it is the word of God insofar as it is correctly translated. This is a necessary notation since there are many, many translations of the Bible and all differ from each other. They cannot, of course, all be correct, particularly in areas in which they conflict. (more…)
by Terrie Lynn Bittner | Sep 28, 2011 | About Mormons
Mormon is a nickname sometimes given to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Most Mormons trying to shorten the name use LDS instead of Mormon, although the term is found within the church, including in the name of the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
The term comes from the Book of Mormon, a book of scripture Mormons use along with the Bible. It does not replace the Bible and is, in fact, a book that testifies of the Bible’s truthfulness and of the divinity of Jesus Christ. Mormons study the Bible two out of every four years. The Book of Mormon is studied only one year, with the fourth year covering church history and modern revelation.
Mormon was an actual person who lived in ancient times. He was one of the authors of the Book of Mormon. If you’ve read the Bible, you know it is a collection of books written by a variety of people. The Book of Mormon is the same type of book. Prophets over a long span of time wrote sections of the book. It was handed down from prophet to prophet. Eventually, Mormon, who was a prophet in what is today the American continent, where the majority of the book takes place, knew the time was nearing when the book must be completed and hidden. (more…)
